Official: Joan Garcia announces Espanyol exit ahead of Barcelona move | OneFootball

After a long wait, Joan Garcia appears all set to complete his move to FC Barcelona as he announced his departure from RCD Espanyol today.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper did so by posting a video message on his social media account, with a caption that read: ‘Thanks for everything, pericos. All the way!’ dedicating a message to the Espanyol fans as he prepares to join his boyhood club’s local rivals.

“Today I say goodbye to the club I’ve been with since I was 15. During all this time, I tried to grow every day, as a football player and as a person. Always with humility, effort and pride defending the goal of Real Espanyol,” he said.

“I gave everything I had to help the team, to represent this crest with the utmost commitment, and to live up to what wearing this shirt means. I know this decision won’t be easy for everyone,” Garcia added.

Continuing, he explained: “I’m not asking you to understand it, but I want you to know that it’s a very thoughtful decision, one I’ve considered not only for the sake of my career, but also for the good of the club, my family, and myself.

“It’s not a final goodbye, but rather a phase that closes with the conviction that everything I’ve experienced has made me better. “

🔗 Instagram

Expressing his gratitude to the club and the fans, he stated: “You made me feel like I was part of something so great. I leave with a heart full of gratitude, knowing that this path was filled with both beautiful and difficult moments, but all of them helped me grow.

“I defended these colors with everything I had, and that will always be a source of pride for me. Now I begin a new challenge, one I face with enthusiasm, but also with great respect for everything I leave behind. Thank you for everything. See you soon.”

Barcelona have already paid his €25 million release clause and Espanyol have confirmed its receipt through La Liga.

The only thing that now remains is for the Catalan giants to officially announce the signing, with Garcia understood to have signed a six-year contract until 2031.